Resources

1. Reflecting on Change: How have the lives of the Maasai women featured in Lessons in Hope changed since their time at the Maasai Girls Secondary School? What factors do you think contributed most to their personal and professional growth?​
2. Cultural Intersection: In what ways does the book explore the balance between preserving Maasai cultural traditions and embracing new opportunities through education? How do the women navigate this intersection?​
3. Role of Education: Discuss the transformative power of education as presented in the book. How did access to education impact not only the women but also their communities?​
4. Collaborative Storytelling: The author collaborated closely with Tanzanian partners in crafting this book. How does this collaborative approach influence the authenticity and depth of the stories shared?​
5. Personal Connections: Were there particular stories or experiences shared by the women that resonated with you personally? What aspects of their journeys did you find most compelling?​
6. Challenges and Resilience: What challenges did the Maasai women face in pursuing their education and careers? How did they demonstrate resilience in overcoming these obstacles?​
7. Global Perspectives: How does Lessons in Hope contribute to the broader global conversation about women’s rights and education? What parallels can you draw between the experiences of the Maasai women and those of women in other parts of the world?​
8. Impact of Support Systems: Examine the role of organizations like Operation Bootstrap Africa in supporting the education of Maasai girls. How did these support systems facilitate change, and what lessons can be applied to similar initiatives globally?​
9. Author’s Journey: How does Juliet Cutler’s personal journey and previous work with the Maasai community influence the narrative? In what ways does her perspective enhance your understanding of the stories shared?​
10. Future Aspirations: Based on the stories presented, what do you envision for the future of the Maasai community, especially concerning women’s roles and opportunities? How might the themes of the book inspire action or awareness in your own community?​

1. Why do you think the idea of teaching in Tanzania first appealed to Cutler? How do her motives for teaching in Tanzania change during the course of the book?
2. In the Morogoro market, a young Tanzanian boy offers Juliet an orange, and later in the book, Cutler gives oranges to Arusha’s street kids. Thus, the orange becomes a literary metaphor for giving and receiving. What does Cutler give and what does she receive during her time in Tanzania?
3. Throughout her time in Tanzania, Cutler faces many ethical dilemmas. What are some of these dilemmas? How would you have handled these dilemmas if you had been in Cutler’s shoes?
4. The first president of Tanzania, Julius Nyerere said, “ . . . the choice is not between change or no change, the choice for Africa is between changing or being changed.” How does Neng’ida experience and come to understand the cultural changes that the Maasai face?
5. In Chapter 24, Cutler says, “I found myself frequently wondering how well-intentioned people in the West, like me and other short-term volunteers, could best help the Maasai, or Tanzanians in general.” What do you think are the best approaches to poverty alleviation?
6. One recurring theme in the book is cultural difference. What do you think are the most significant cultural differences identified in the book? Which ones surprised you the most? What do you think Cutler learned about cultural difference?

Founder of Kakenya’s Dream

Maasai activist and former Conservation International fellow

Founder of Let Maasai Girls Learn and Echidna Global Scholar, Brookings Institution

Parsitau, Damaris S. Engaging the custodians of tradition and culture: Leveraging the role of multiple actors in Maasai girls’ education, Washington, D.C: Brookings Institution, 2017.

Speaker at TEDxMajengo and actor in the student-made short film Black Head Cow about forced marriage in Maasai communities